Fantastic cruise - great ports

Sail Date:
May 2012

Destination:
Europe - Western Mediterranean

Embarkation:
Venice

We got to Venice three days early- (the Bucintoro Hotel is wonderful)! You need 3 days to really see and experience Venice (and to take care of the jet lag). We took the vaparetto to the Spirit- so easy. Check in for the cruise was busy but pretty simple- give your baggage to them and it's the start of being pampered. We booked some of the tours with the ship- most of them were excellent and informative. The Izmir port excursion was a little irritating. We didn't see some of the ruins because of a leather factory fashion show. But,the other ports had great excursions- I loved Rome, crowded but beautiful. Don't be afraid to use private companies for excursions- we had some great private tours in Istanbul-which is beautiful and Athens and try the motorcycle sidecar tour in Barcelona!

The Spirit has a lot of things to do, relax on deck in the quiet zone, tan and mingle out by the pool or party in the Beer Garden. We met a lot of great people on the ship and in the Bingo More
matches (I was only 2 numbers away from the free trip that was given out as a prize)!
Our room was spotless, I love the balcony room! Water pressure in the shower was great- Plenty of room to put your luggage. The staff on the Spirit works so hard to take care of you and the ship- do they ever sleep? I really appreciate the Washy-washy-happy-happy staff at the entrances to the eating areas- thank you.

The food was good, you get better coffee and juices in Windows and the Garden room. Try them for breakfast and dinner- yum. We did quick breakfasts and at sea lunches in Raffles.

We even used the laundry service, no problem there either. They came back the next day all cleaned and pressed. We did the wine club- it's a good deal. Playing Bingo with a bottle of wine on an at sea day, then go take a nap...I love vacationing!

Disembarking was a breeze- cabs were waiting- and so was Barcelona-what a vibrant city. So much to see.

We're back home now and reviewing all of our pictures- wow. Again, A dream vacation of a lifetime. Less

Cabin review: Norwegian Spirit

our cabin was excellent- middle of the ship, balcony, nobody across from us, quiet neighbors, close to the elevators. The closet space was fine. The only complaint I have is the air conditioner blew in your face in bed all the time. We had to deflect the air flow on one side so we could sleep.

Port and Shore Excursions

City Tour

Cinque Terre

Even in the rain this area is beautiful. We had a great time. You go by train and boat, it's an adventure! Spare time for lunch and shopping.
Our next port was Toulon France- Most shops were closed on Mondays...bummer and it was raining. Beautiful but not much to do.

City Tour

We walked and toured the town on our own. We put our feet in the water, drank the local wine and just had a beautiful, relaxing day in the sun. We got great pictures of the buildings and the shoreline and us just chilling!

Capri Walking Tour

Sistine Chapel

There is so much to see, this tour was the more expensive tour but well worth it! We bypassed the lines for everything. We didn't just do a drive by like some of the excursions do. I wish we had one more day to see more. It was crowded but beautiful!!!! loved it.